Experience the Music Extravaganza: Your Gateway to the 2026 American Music Awards

Broadcasting the Spectacular Event: How to Access the 2026 AMAs

The 52nd Annual American Music Awards will be broadcast live on Monday, May 25, airing at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. Viewers can tune into CBS for the live telecast, ensuring access through standard cable packages or local CBS affiliates.

Complimentary Online Access: Streaming the 2026 AMAs Without Cost

For those preferring to stream the event online, several platforms offer live access to CBS, some even with free trial options. DirecTV and Fubo provide five-day free trials, allowing viewers to watch the AMAs live at no initial cost. Hulu + Live TV is another option for live streaming, though it may not include a free trial.

Paramount+: Your Premium Streaming Destination for the AMAs

Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have direct access to the live stream of the awards show. While Paramount+ Essential subscribers cannot watch live, they can enjoy the full ceremony on-demand the day following the broadcast. Note that Paramount+ Premium does not offer a free trial.

DirecTV Offers a Gateway to Entertainment: Plans and Free Trial Details

DirecTV includes CBS in all its primary packages, such as Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. New users can take advantage of a five-day free trial for DirecTV's streaming service, with plans starting from $19.99 per month. Detailed information on channel lineups and pricing can be found on their official website.

Paramount+: Diverse Plans for Every Viewer

Paramount+ provides various subscription options, with ad-supported Essential plans starting at $8.99 per month or $89.99 annually. For live streaming the AMAs, the ad-free Premium package is required, priced at $13.99 per month or $139.99 annually. Essential subscribers will have on-demand access to the show a day later.

Fubo: Live TV Streaming with a Trial Offer

Fubo subscribers can also watch CBS live, and new users are eligible for a five-day free trial. After the trial period, plans begin at an introductory rate of $45.99 for the first month, subsequently adjusting to $55.99 per month. Fubo offers a comprehensive solution for cord-cutters looking to access live events.

BTS's Anticipated Presence: More Than Just an Appearance

BTS is slated to attend the AMAs, marking their first awards show appearance in four years. While their presence is confirmed, it remains uncertain whether they will perform. Given their ongoing Arirang World Tour in Las Vegas, their appearance is likely a strategic move to promote their new album and tour.

A Stellar Lineup: Performers Gracing the AMAs Stage

The 2026 AMAs will feature a dynamic array of performances. Confirmed acts include Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Billy Idol, International Artist Award of Excellence recipient Karol G, and Veterans Voice Award honoree Darius Rucker alongside Hootie & the Blowfish. Other artists set to perform are KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, New Kids on the Block, The Pussycat Dolls (featuring Busta Rhymes), Riley Green, Sombr, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, and Twenty One Pilots. Additionally, BTS will make a special appearance following their recent concert dates.

Recognizing Musical Excellence: The 2026 AMA Nominees

Taylor Swift leads the nominations for the 2026 AMAs with eight nods, closely followed by Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, and Sombr, each receiving seven nominations. The prestigious Artist of the Year category features a competitive lineup including Swift, Wallen, Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, BTS, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, and Lady Gaga.

Announcing the Stars: Presenters at the 2026 AMAs

The 2026 AMAs will see a distinguished group of presenters, including Alysa Liu, Anthony Ramos, Ejai and Rei Ami, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Hannah Berner, Hilary Duff, Jason Derulo, John Legend, Lisa Rinna, Ludacris, Mariah the Scientist, Matt Rife, Megan Stalter, Paul W. Downs, Melanie Martinez, Nikki Glaser, Paula Abdul, Russell Dickerson, GloRilla, Busta Rhymes, and Leon Thomas, all contributing to the evening's grandeur.